It
functioned for 21 days. Its on-board radio transmitter
sent out a beep beep signal that was heard all around
the world. It was launched by the R-7 Rocket aka Vostok
Rocket at Baikonour, Soviet Union.
Today the modern derivative is called Soyuz
Rocket.

Specifications:

Diameter

58cm

Spacecraft
Weight

84kg

Launch
Location

Present
day Kazakstan

Launch
Vehicle

R-7 Rocket

As a result of this
launch, the US air force suggested Intercontinental
Ballistic Missiles could be used to launch a satellite.
The first american satellite was Explorer 1 and it was
launched on January 31, 1958. This also led to creation
of NASA (National aeronautics and Space Administration)
in July 1958.

On January 4th, 1958, Sp

utnik 1 re-enetered the Earth's atmosphere because it
orbit deayed due to gravity.